Focusing
on its Core Business, the White Goods Manufacturer Bosch and Siemens Home
Appliance Group Hives off the Brazilian Production of Commercial Refrigeration
BSH
Continental Eletrodomesticos belonging to the German BSH Bosch und Siemens
Hausgeräte GmbH, world’s third largest manufacturer of domestic
appliances, announced on 15th January the sale of Metalfrio Solutions,
which focuses on commercial refrigeration, to Artésia Investimentos.
Metalfrio is the market leader with more than 50% market share in the
commercial refrigeration market and nearly 29% market share in the chest
freezer market.
The transaction is part of the BSH’s world strategy to concentrate
efforts in its core-business: the production and sale of the white line
products. Metalfrio Solutions had been operating independently from BSH
Continental since January 2002, when the spin-off process was concluded.
BSH Continental, which in Brazil manufactures domestic appliances for
the brands Continental and Bosch, has closed 2003 with a 13% higher income
and 5% smaller volume, when compared with the previous year. 'The improvement
recorded on the last months of 2003 has been seasonal', states Peter Händel,
Administrative and Financial Vice-President of BSH Continental. The forecast
for 2004 is to grow 7%, focusing on external sales, which will reach 40%
of total production. Brazil is the export platform for Latin America and
the rest of the world, totalling more than forty countries.
The global income of Bosch and Siemens Home Appliances Group is over six
billion Euro a year. The company currently has around 15% of the domestic
appliances market in Brazil.
Metalfrio Solutions responded for 15% of the BSH Group income in Latin
America.
About BSH Group
BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH is a group with worldwide operations,
which posts annual sales in excess of six billion euros.
Founded in 1967, as a joint venture between Robert-Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart,
and Siemens AG, Berlin and Munich, BSH offers large home appliances, consumer
products and domestic technology. The last ten years have seen BSH grow
at a dramatic rate. Starting with 13 production sites in three countries,
it has expanded its activities to encompass 43 factories in 15 countries
in Europe, the USA, Latin America and Asia. Including its worldwide network
of sales and customer service companies, BSH now encompasses over 100
companies in 30 countries, with more than 35,000 employees. Group headquarters
are in Munich, Germany.
BSH established in Brazil in December, 1994, when it acquired the share
control of Continental S.A. Utilidades Domésticas. In the acquisition,
it kept the brands Continental e Metalfrio and launched the Bosch Eletrodomésticos
brand.
Egon
Blum Appointed Government Representative of Youth Employment and Vocational
Training
Due
to his wealth of experience, his commitment to the training of young people
and his efforts to safeguard the location of businesses, Egon Blum who
is a member of the management of Julius Blum, the Austrian fittings company,
has been appointed government representative of youth employment and vocational
training. His appointment was announced to the public following the decision
made by Austrian chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel and the government.
Furthermore, Egon Blum was appointed to the ‘Curia of trade and industry’
in recognition of his ‘outstanding services to Austrian economy’
on 26th November. This means that he is entitled to assume the title of
‘Kommerzielrat’ which is conferred on distinguished businessmen
in Austria. This is further recognition of his outstanding commitment
to dual vocational training within and beyond the company. The presentation
was held at the Federal Chancellery in Vienna.
Egon
Blum being presented with his certification of appointment by Austrian
Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel in the Federal Chancellery in Vienna
Egon Blum, born in 1940 in Hoechst on Lake Constance – where Blum
is located - was a master toolmaker who had gained ten years’ experience
abroad when he joined Julius Blum GmbH, the fittings manufacture, in 1970.
He was put in charge of Engineering and Vocational Training on a managerial
level. Following the assumption of his new duties, he soon recognised
the need to counteract the increasing loss of competitiveness caused by
the emigration of specialists and executives to neighbouring countries.
With the support of Blum’s management, Egon Blum consistently promoted
young people within the company by implementing dual vocational training.
Due to the harmonious combination of practice-orientated training and
theoretical education, this principle has increasingly gained international
acceptance as a model of vocational training. The training scheme is also
being successfully employed in Blum’s subsidiary in the USA.
Many of the young men and women who Blum trained to become highly qualified
specialists now either hold important positions within the company or
have landed top jobs in the world. At the annual International Vocational
Training Competition, Blum trainees have won 20 medals to date.
In addition, young people now have the possibility of combining an apprenticeship
with A levels. They not only complete their vocational training but also
prepare themselves for the university entrance exam and can therefore
opt for a course of study at a later date. Although a goal of this kind
demands a great deal of readiness to learn and endurance on the part of
the young people, Blum apprenticeships have proven to be very popular.
The number of applicants a year is, for example, five times higher than
the number of places actually available. Currently, 193 young people are
serving an apprenticeship with Blum.
Young people are particularly interested in the ‘high-tech trades’
introduced by Egon Blum such as plant constructor, toolmaker and plant
electrician.
Tel: 01908 285700
Web: http://www.blum.com
Hansgrohe
Joins Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association
Hansgrohe
has broadened its commitment to thermostatically controlled bathroom products
by joining the TMVA (Thermostatic Mixing Valve Manufacturers Association).
The Association was established in 1999 and is concerned with the provision
of safe hot water to both commercial and domestic premises.
Hansgrohe has long been convinced of the benefits of thermostatic mixing
controls to provide a reliable temperature for comfortable and safe bathing.
The company currently provides a wide range of thermostatic bath and shower
mixers with a safety stop button for temperatures hotter than 38°C
and also basin mixers that include hot water limiters.
Hansgrohe looks forward to working with the TMVA to continuously develop
its products to improve safety. In the meantime Hansgrohe MD, Iain McKinlay
comments, ‘While many of us today use email, DVDs and drive around
in cars with air conditioning and central locking, it seems ludicrous
that we still have old-fashioned hot and cold filler taps on our baths
and bathroom sinks. It is so much more practical, comfortable and safe
to use a single mixer tap that mixes the hot and cold water before filling
the sink or bath. Certainly for bathing and showering a thermostatic control
is even safer, particularly in households that have young children or
elderly family members’.
Hansgrohe thermostatic bath and shower mixers cost from around £176.35
(excl VAT). Basin mixer taps cost from around £92.45 (excl VAT).
Tel: 0870 770 1972
Web: http://www.hansgrohe.co.uk
Also please see http://www.tmva.org.uk,
http://www.capt.org,
http://www.buildcert.com
Electrolux
will Close Refrigerator Factory in US
Electrolux
will discontinue production of refrigerators at its factory in Greenville,
Michigan, in the United States. The factory will continue to operate into
2005.
In October 2003 Electrolux announced that the factory was under evaluation.
Careful and in-depth evaluation of proposals from the local community,
the state of Michigan and the company's labour unions has been conducted.
Most of the products currently manufactured in Greenville will move to
a new factory to be built in Mexico. The investment in Mexico is expected
to be approximately USD 150m over the coming two years.
The Greenville factory has approximately 2,700 employees. The closure
of the factory will incur a total cost of approximately SEK 1,200m, the
majority of which will be taken as a charge against operating income for
the first quarter of 2004. Approximately half of the cost refers to write-down
of assets.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Waterline
Gets its KBB Show on the Road
Dates
and venues have been announced for the Waterline 2004 KBB Road Show. The
company is touring the country with the latest products from top kitchen
brand suppliers, additions to the Waterline Cuisina and Essentials kitchen
appliance brands plus the Bathroom Furniture Collection.
On show for the first time is the Cuisina Icon Pack in stainless steel.
This keenly-priced offer comprises of the new DF100 Range Cooker with
matching Back Panel and Range Hood plus RCG20WS ‘A’ rated American
Food Centre.
The show is on at Woodlands Park Hotel, Cobham, Surrey on 19th February;
Thorpe Park Hotel, Leeds 23rd March; Airth Castle & Hotel, Airth by
Falkirk, 21/22 April; Leigh Court, Bristol 6th May; Sketchley Grange Country
House Hotel, Hinckley, 15th June.
For further details, telephone 0870 556 1560.
Bristan
Specified in Prestigious Manchester Development
The
Prism collection from brassware supplier Bristan, has been chosen by Country
& Metropolitan homes for the company’s prestigious Jackson’s
Warehouse development of 42 apartments in Manchester.
Most of the apartments feature a main bathroom and cloakroom both of which
were specified with the Bristan Prism collection which was chosen for
it’s stylish, contemporary looks. The distinctive minimalist
lever is the keynote of the Prism range which ensures movement is both
positive and easy.
Single monobloc basin mixers were specified along with bath shower mixers.
Commenting on the development, Bristan Managing Director Steve Lee says:
'While the development is a renovation of a building which dates back
to 1836, the brief for the interiors was very much contemporary. The
Prism range offered Country & Metropolitan a stylish product which
would suit the modern home buyers in Manchester.'
The
breast cancer charity, The Haven Trust, recently opened another new centre
in Hereford with the ceremony performed by HRH The Prince of Wales who
is Patron of the charity.
Once again Stoneham, manufacturer of kitchen furniture and holder of The
Royal Warrant to HM The Queen supplied and fitted the kitchen units for
the very well appointed unit.
The design comprised Stoneham’s Opticolor range with light cream
or alabaster frontals and topped with an Everest laminated worktop. As
with all Stoneham designs, the cabinet interiors are state-of-the-art
with the latest fittings and components.
The Haven Trust offers complementary alternative medicine to help heal
the mind, body and spirit, through group support and individual programmes.
This second Haven is open to anyone able to travel to it. The Haven Foundation
Programme (a 2-day group introduction) and up to twelve complementary
therapy sessions are available free of charge.
Tel: 020 8300 8181
Email: mailto:kitchens@stoneham.plc.uk
Web: http://www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk
Hansgrohe
Equips The World’s Largest Single-Masted Sailing Yacht
Hansgrohe
has provided a range of designer bathroom fittings to the world’s
largest composite single masted sailing yacht – Mirabella V.
Each of the six spacious guest cabins on board has its own full sized
ensuite bathroom. For these Hansgrohe has supplied their Axor Uno basin
mixers in silky matt Satinox finish, with a range of matching accessories,
bath filler and thermostatically controlled over bath shower with co-ordinating
wall bar. Comfort Plus shower panels have been supplied to the owners’
cabin and a number of other products to the equally important seven crew
cabins.
The magnificent 245ft / 75m Mirabella V will be the ultimate yacht for
Mediterranean or Caribbean charter next season. With a mast height of
almost 300ft, equivalent to the height of Big Ben’s clock tower,
this imposing super yacht will be the largest of its kind in the world.
The vessel is nearing completion at Vosper Thornycroft shipyard in Southampton,
with plans for the hull to be launched later this month amid mounting
media interest.
Specifically conceived to cater for the luxury charter market by owners
Joseph and Luciana Vittoria, Mirabella V provides facilities on board
to offer guests the ultimate experience afloat. In addition to the bathrooms,
a large open air movie projection screen, 20 person hot tub and dip pool,
a fully serviced gym and sauna and cabins with large windows, TV, DVD,
CD and internet are just some of the other luxuries that guests can expect.
Tel: 0870 770 1972
Web: http://www.hansgrohe.co.uk
Maytag
Corporation Introduces New Dimensions in Clothing Care and Cooking at
International Builders' Show
Curious
and enthusiastic consumers crowded the Maytag Corporation exhibit at Monday's
start of the International Builders' Show. Time savings and enhanced performance
were the names of the game at the booth, as the latest home appliances
were presented through January 22nd, 2004. From two-in-one dryers to agitation-free
washers to commercial-grade cooktops, ranges and more, Maytag Corporation
is offering an array of new innovations from Maytag® Appliances, Jenn-Air®
and Amana® brands that add flexibility and performance to some of
homeowners' most routine tasks.
Two-in-one dryer unit pairs tumble dryer with inventive upper drying cabinet
'Long known as the company that revolutionised the way consumers clean
clothes, Maytag Appliances presents a revolution in the way people dry
them. The Maytag® Neptune® Drying Center™ (DC) pairs a tumble
dryer with the convenience of an upper drying cabinet that minimises shrinkage,
speeds up the drying process, reduces wrinkles, eliminates odours and
refreshes clothes - saving time and money.' says the company.
The multipurpose design, which fits in about the same space as a standard
dryer, responds to consumers' desire for better garment care from their
dryers. Clothes that consumers normally hang or lay flat to dry can now
be dried or refreshed in one to five hours in the Maytag Neptune DC, compared
to one to two days when air dried.
With 24.3 cu. ft. of total drying space, the company says that the Maytag
Neptune DC has the largest dryer capacity in the industry. The Maytag
Neptune DC has the flexibility to dry up to nine items using special ShapeSaver™hangers
or up to five items dried flat on removable mesh shelves. Its patented
BreezeCare™ Drying System moves air around and through clothes using
gentle temperatures that are easy on fabrics, and the WrinkleRelease™
Rod at the top of the cabinet sways back and forth as clothes dry to reduce
unwanted wrinkles. Fragrance can be added to any cycle using the Dryer
Sheet Caddy to refresh clothing. For example, the sweater or suit worn
to dinner last night can be refreshed in time for a morning meeting, saving
dry cleaning costs.
Top-loading washing machine is agitator-free for gentle clothing care
The Maytag® Neptune® TL, a top-loading high-efficiency washing
machine, provides the cleaning power, fabric care and conservation benefits
of a front-load washer but in a convenient top-loading configuration that
most American consumers prefer. Its design completely does away with the
traditional agitator that sits in the centre of the washtub and instead
uses revolutionary wash technology to combine powerful cleaning with gentle
fabric care.
The Maytag Neptune TL TumbleClean™ wash system begins with a showering
dispenser system that disperses detergent throughout the load to start
cleaning before wash action begins. Two round tumblers gently turn over
laundry up to 55 times per minute without the wear and tear of an agitator.
Custom cycles like Super Wash™ and Handwash are designed to handle
super dirty to extra delicate loads, while the Favorites Cycle allows
consumers to personally programme up to 24 commonly used wash cycles,
so anyone in the house can do laundry.
Dual-fuel range, 17,000-BTU cooktop heart of revamped professional-grade
offerings from Jenn-Air
Responding to the needs of the passionate home cook, the Jenn-Air brand
has revamped its commercial-grade Jenn-Air Pro-Style® cooktops and
ranges, adding new style features, enhanced performance and more cooking
options.
The core of the modifications include the introduction of dual-fuel ranges
in 30-inch and 36-inch sizes and the addition of 17,000 BTU burners on
Jenn- Air's Pro-Style cooktops.
Jenn-Air also refined the look of all its Pro-Style cooking appliances,
including both the ranges and the cooktops. Jenn-Air added oversized knobs
and diamond-etched towel bar handles. The style modifications provide
a bold new look as well as an improved grip. Taken together, the new stylistic
elements create a versatile, restaurant-style appearance that resonates
with serious cooks.
'The people who buy Jenn-Air appliances love to entertain and want appliances
that not only look great in their kitchen but also deliver better cooking
performance,' said Bill Deter, vice president of Jenn-Air. 'By adding
new dual-fuel ranges to our product lineup and more power on our gas cooktops,
we are helping Jenn-Air owners improve their cooking performance and,
hopefully, reach their culinary dreams.'
Eyeing growth of second kitchens, Jenn-Air exhibits the first convenience
oven
Jenn-Air has introduced the Jenn-Air Convenience Oven, which claims to
be the appliance industry's most compact built-in oven. The Jenn-Air Convenience
Oven is a fully functioning wall oven, complete with bake, broil, toast
and other modes, that fits into a significantly smaller area.
The small-sized, 30-inch oven measures just 22 inches high, making the
Jenn-Air Convenience Oven suitable for nontraditional installations, including
wet bars, great rooms and recreation rooms. Plus, the 1.2-cubic-foot interior
allows the oven to preheat faster than a full-sized, 4.0-cubic-foot oven.
This makes it suitable for quickly preparing those entertaining staples,
such as appetisers and rolls. Plus, the Jenn-Air Convenience Oven is self-cleaning,
allowing you to enjoy your time entertaining.
'The Jenn-Air Convenience Oven provides a great new way for people to
bring cooking appliances to new parts of the house,' said Deter. 'The
small size allows people to produce hot, fresh appetisers and snacks in
the rooms where people most like to entertain, including bar areas, pool
houses and great rooms.
'The Jenn-Air Convenience Oven is the most compact fully functioning wall
oven available. Its internal cavity is nearly 75 percent smaller than
the industry-standard 4.0-cubic-foot oven. Plus, with the bake, broil
and toast modes, it can tackle virtually any cooking process - except
for the major holiday turkeys and large roasts.'
Maytag Corporation is a leading producer of home and commercial appliances.
Its products are sold to customers throughout North America and in international
markets. About 96 percent of Maytag manufacturing employees are located
in the United States, where it operates 15 manufacturing plants. The corporation's
principal brands include Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Jade, Hoover and Dixie-Narco.
Web: http://www.maytagcorp.com